Skip Navigation

For a child, the first five years last forever.

Portrait of father and son hugging in living room

ABCS of Federal Early Learning and Child Care Funding Streams

Every year, millions of children who range in age from birth through five benefit from an array of federal early learning and care programs. While there are different early learning settings and certain programs have distinct requirements, together they form a mixed-delivery system that strives to support the care, education, and healthy development of children, prioritizing children from low-income families, parental choice, and children’s individual needs.

A side-view shot of a mid-adult mother sitting on the floor of a living room with her young boy she is lifting him up in the air, they are wearing casual clothing playing and laughing together.

Protect and Expand the CDCTC

We know that Congress will focus on taxes this year. We also know it is crucial that protecting and expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC, or family care credit) is part of that conversation. This important tax credit helps working parents keep more of what they earn to pay for child care and, if it were expanded, could provide real help for families struggling to pay for child care.

election interference case

Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets

FFYF’s State Fact Sheets from 50 states and Washington, D.C. show how federal investments in child care impact working parents, children, and the economy. Federal funding and programs benefit families nationwide and serve as the foundation for America’s early care and education system.

Smiling mother and her daughter having fun while sitting in train, talking and looking at map.

Latest News
& Resources

Resource

FAQs on Child Care, Early Learning, and the U.S. Department of Education

May 20, 2025

In March, President Trump signed an executive order that directs the Secretary of Education “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the …

Resource

Head Start and Early Head Start: The Program Overview

May 20, 2025

Head Start is a federally funded program that delivers comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services to children ages 3 through 5 experiencing  poverty and their families. More …

Resource

New Resource Reveals Notable Changes in Price and Supply of Child Care

May 16, 2025

This week, Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) released their annual report, Child Care in America: 2024 Price & Supply, which provides updated data on the current child care landscape …

Stay Updated

Receive monthly updates on the latest news, policy, and actions to advance federal investment in children and their families.